HB5669 Summary

• Amends the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989 to create the Design Professionals Dedicated Fund as a special fund in the State treasury.

• Directs the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to deposit fees and fines collected under the Act equally into the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund and the Design Professionals Dedicated Fund.

• Authorizes the Department to use moneys from the Design Professionals Dedicated Fund to provide financial assistance to qualified applicants for licensure to help pay required examination fees.

• Establishes eligibility criteria requiring applicants to: be Illinois residents for at least one year, be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, be qualified to take licensure exams, be employed by public sector or non-profit entities (including as teachers), and demonstrate financial need based on their federal Student Aid Report.

• Prohibits the Department from allowing the Design Professionals Dedicated Fund to have a negative balance at any time.